Chris Baker

Chris Baker trained in graphic design at Hornsey College of Art but his creativity found its voice through the medium of photography. His first commission was for Sir Richard Attenborough’s, then new, Capital Radio.

Shortly after, he spent an exciting couple of months working with Oscar winning director Bruce Beresford on a movie written by and starring Barry Humphries (AKA Dame Edna Everage). A lifelong passion for photographing actors followed and has continued on and off to the present day. Michael Sheen, Sylvia Syms, Rob Brydon, Julia Sawalha and Steven Graham were some of his more illustrious clients.

The advent of Digital prompted a re-appraisal of the value of photography and a desire to reconnect with his artistic roots and the process has now been in motion for around 5 years during which time he has drawn and painted with various mediums and tackled various subjects but more and more is being drawn back to a fascination with people and particularly faces. The female nude is a great source of inspiration and this has led to a new interest in dancers, particularly ballet; a theme he would like to explore more fully. Not surprisingly, Degas is a strong influence and constant source of wonder and admiration. The fact that he also used photography in his later years is also a cause of considerable fascination!

Chris has exhibited with The Barnet Guild of Artists ( of which he is also a member ) as well as HAS and has had paintings with both organisations voted “Most Popular in Show” by the visiting public.

He has exhibited at the Courtyard Gallery, the Patchings Festival and in 2014 had the distinction of having a painting hung at The Royal Academy by virtue of being shortlisted in the BBC’s “One Show” art competition.

He harbours an ambition to be a contestant in Sky Arts “Portrait Artist of the Year” but says, “I’m only just starting my painting journey and there’s an awful lot to learn and not much time; best get on!!”